My 2012 Resolution: STOP PROCRASTINATION

Of course every year I hear "What is YOUR New Year Resolution?"  and every year it is the SAME!

• Get Organized
• Loose Weight
• Clutter Free My House
• Eat Healthier

Am I asking too much or doing too little?  I little a both.  I'm a PROCRASTINATOR and as much as I try to ignore that fact it still happens.  So I guess what I need to work on this year is my PROCRASTINATION because than everything else can fall in place.  Baby Steps...right?

Planning stuff out seems to help me a lot!  Plus reminders on my phone and iPad has been helpful.  I need to PLAN out my days and then I can stick to a schedule.  

I want to be a REHABILITATED PROCRASTINATOR in 2012- my goal for the year. 

Found a cool article in my email box to day that might just help: Seven Easy Ways to Get Organized for the New Year Read more: Seven Easy Ways to Get Organized for the New Year - Good Housekeeping

I have a notebook, planner and digital organization apps on my iPad and I WILL USE THEM in 2012.

What are your favorite ORGANIZATION TIPS or how to STOP PROCRASTINATION?

A site that has given me some cool tips has a monthly calendar full of tips! http://www.clutterdietblog.com/

January: http://www.clutterdiet.com/handouts/ClutterDiet-31Tips31Days2012.pdf

Oh yeah I signed up for a Time Management Email Course: http://www.effective-time-management-strategies.com/time-management-course.html

Being a procrastinator effects every part of my life so I need to make this change!

Holiday Stress- Happy it's OVER!

I'm saying HOLIDAY because these days you don't know who celebrates what so best to keep it simple- just my opinion!  Anyways, whatever holiday you celebrate are you happy it is OVER?  I know I AM!

Holiday's stress me out!  I have 3 b'days to deal with in the same month and its so overwhelming.  Yes, I say "oh I'll start early next year" but to be honest I don't.  That's my fault I know.  Doing the day to day stuff plus adding into getting ready for something several months down the road is not in my mind-frame!  Maybe one year this might work but that means I need to stop being a "procrastinator" and good luck with that one.

I feel like I let everyone down when I don't send holiday cards out, bake cookies, or buy gifts for everyone in the family.  That's a lot of stress to put on someone who doesn't plan ahead at all. I could say my New Years resolution could be "I'm going to be more organized" but I say that every year, lol.  So then when I don't do those things I get all depressed and get in that "I SUCK" mode that hovers over me for the whole month!

I try my hardest to make it the best Xmas for the kids and I do get that done!  We are not the religious family on the block so yes its about the presents- sorry.  I have one kid who doesn't believe in Santa and one who LOVES Santa so I adjust to that.  This year I let Lil Man set out the half eaten cookies and the empty milk cup.  He wanted to bring up "Santa's" presents but I said "I still want him to enjoy the excitement of surprise in the morning" so off to bed he went.

Cooking Christmas dinner is also a chore I wasn't looking forward  (I'm not of fan of cooking, remember) to  but I didn't stress over it and it was a wonderful dinner that the four of us enjoyed.  Still enjoying Ham sandwiches!

Biggest STRESS what not being with FAMILY!  I hate living so far away from my family (only in December though) but we Skyped and that was fun watching my grandma (90 something) figure out why I was talking out of a laptop.

Now CLEANING up after the holiday is just a lost cause until all kids go back to school!

So I guess now I have to think about my 2012 plans/resolutions- so stay tuned for that. :)

Maybe I should do this next year:
 http://www.household-management-101.com/reducing-holiday-stress.html

Freebies~ Ebooks from Amazon.com

I haven't read them yet but I will soon! I wanted to share this FREEBIES before they goes away. If they are good I'll let you know.

FREEBIE: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times

This free e-book works on all e-readers -- Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo, iPod Touch, iPhone, and others, and all generations of them. Don't worry, if you don't have an e-reader you can still enjoy this free book on your computer.  

To download from Amazon: http://amzn.to/shsW6O 

To download from Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/tYS2cB

To download from Apple iTunes: http://bit.ly/tYiaoD

To download from Kobo Books: http://bit.ly/uMSyrX

Thank you~ Shelton Interactive and Chicken Soup for the Soul

iCaughtSanta.com 1/2 off CODE! GREAT GIFT IDEA

Wouldn't it be so cool to put a picture of Santa in the kids stocking this year with him somewhere in your house!  Kids will go crazy seeing that Santa was in their house!  I showed the pic I made to my daughter and she LOVED it and is so excited to see if Santa takes a picture this year too!

I ran a contest earlier this week and 5 codes were given away!  However, if you are still interested in getting your picture you can enter this code: SANTA50 and get your entire order for 1/2 price! Even SHARE the code with family and friends!  iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.

In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don't have kids yourself.

Remember to go to  iCaughtSanta.com  and enter SANTA50 and get your entire order 1/2 off!

Have a blessed holiday!

I LOVE My Chore Pad App!!!

I won this app from http://www.random-dealz.com/ a couple weeks ago and let me tell you it's the best prize I have won in a long time!!  It was easy to set up and you can customize it so it fits your household! I was having a hard time getting my kids to do chores around the house- just little stuff like put away their clothes.  They are 10 and 7 1/2 so they are old enough to do somethings around the house.  Now they fight on who is going to do what!  So I had to assign morning tasks for one and night time tasks for the other.  I don't push it either- if they want the points they do the chore if they don't want the points then they don't have to! 

When I first set it up I was thinking the newness would wear off in a week or so but they are still going strong.  They are both going towards the goal of the DATE WITH MOM, which is the highest reward :)!  I also put homework and reading as chores (even though I didn't have to fight them to these) I wanted them to get points for these tasks as well.  During the winter break homework/reading was assigned but this time they are actually doing it without the "ohh's and aww's not now mom"

The best thing is my house is CLEAN and I got help!  Every morning they check the list and through out the day do their chores.  They don't get points if I already did the chore though.  The only thing they haven't been doing is the dishes chore...darn because that is my least favorite chore.  But hey I'm just super excited their rooms are clean :)

I also put on a behavior chore- be nice to sibling worth 3 points.  With the winter break they are fighting like cat and dogs!  So lets see if this works, just put it on there today. 

If you want to more info check out http://www.nannek.com/chorepad.html

Christmas Guilt Go Away!

This has been a HARD year on everyone and you can really feel it around the holidays.  I do understand that Christmas is not about the most or best presents but as a parent I feel bad I'm not able to get my kids what they want. 

I took some time off work this year that caused us some financial struggles and of course we are feeling it big time now.  So in my head I feel like I messed up our family Christmas.  I wish now I wouldn't have left my job because just maybe we wouldn't be in this hole we are in.  I hated telling my family (husband, mom, dad, older son, teachers, and friends) that Christmas will be late this year.  Now these people totally understand and are okay with this but it still hurts to tell them that.  Yes, I do understand Christmas is not about presents.  I still feel bad!

Last month I did do some shopping so I do have a couple presents to give them but this will be the smallest Christmas they ever had.  As a mom I feel the Christmas guilt!  I know my mom felt it too when we were growing up and I learned so much from her so I know I will be able to make this a special holiday no matter what!  We all go through the highs and lows and this year is a LOW and hopefully we will turn it around next year!

We have food, shelter, clothing, family, friends, and lots of LOVE so we will be just fine! 

I will make this a wonderful holiday for the kids though- no matter what!

Who is Nicole Scherzinger??

For the life of me I had NO IDEA who Nicole Scherzinger was until I did a search. Man, I feel bad now that I didn't know who she was!

She is a judge on the X-factor and all season I was wondering who the heck she was and I finally looked her up! She was a PussyCat Doll Lead Singer!

Well this was just a mindless post that doesn't have much content but it answered a question I was wondering and so there! ;) 

Twitter Blast~ Win A $100 Amazan.com Gift Card

Want to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card? Who wouldn't!!! I know I DO!

Hosted by Madame Deals and Jen from Kobiso, Makobi Scribe, Sason and Pobi are the sponsors!

Twitter Blast is open until January 1st so every day come back and follow a handful of people a day. Remember the more you follow, the more chances you have to win.

How to enter: Log in with your name and email or Facebook through the Rafflecopter.


*If the rafflecopter form doesn’t load usually reload page and it will show up!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win It Wednesday 12/14- iCaughtSanta.com Review & Giveaway

Oh I can't wait to PRINT this out and show my kids!  Lil Man doesn't believe anymore, some grown adult (won't name names) told him Santa isn't real last year and he has been teasing his sister like crazy.  I've explained to him that I would like him to stop and just let his sister BELIEVE until she doesn't anymore- he agreed.  So when I print this out they are both going to LOVE IT!  This is our tree from last year and with the help from http://www.icaughtsanta.com/ I was able to place Santa in the picture with 3 easy steps! 

What a cute gift idea!  This was super easy and I love it!!!

If you want to surprise your family with a picture with Santa in your living room by the tree, or going down the chimney or even eating the cookies then ENTER my giveaway. You can pick from 20 different Santa poses. You will be able to change his size, brightness and color. You can also add a border if you choose- like I did!

ENTER BELOW FOR A CHANCE FOR A FREE CODE ! 

ALSO:

Bonus #1: 25% off with this code: SAVE25 Feel free to share as you wish.

Bonus #2: They will send me 5 additional codes to giveaway if you have more that 30 unique entrants in this giveaway. SO PLEASE SHARE with family and friends!!!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using MomBlogSociety.com Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Birthday...TODAY!

Yesterday I was quite grumpy about today....something about getting an year older is not a happy moment I guess. Anyways, woke up today and the LOVE I felt from my kids was so special it took all those feelings away!

The kids this morning sang me the Birthday Song 3 different ways and guess what didn't argue, fight or talk back- why can't that happen EVERY DAY!! 

I had the best cup of coffee and I was able to drink the whole cup without any interruptions.  What a difference that makes!  I got on Facebook and WOW the FB LOVE was amazing!  On holidays FB really allows you to reach out to people and let them know how you feel without buying the card and sending it :).  Got to LOVE FB!

Got a gift from one of my BFF's a beautiful shirt and scarf- of course in my FAV color PINK!  She ROCKS big time.  She came and picked up the kids for school so I even got a hug too!

I do have to work today (normally I don't work on Tues) but I will make the most of it plus it's only for a couple hours and I get a wonderful lunch out of it- so it's all good. 

My family says I will be chilling for the rest of the day so I will take that as I don't have to lift a finger today- as a mom/wife- best gift ever!  And I don't care what my house looks like until tomorrow morning :)!!!

Here are the HOMEMADE CARDS the kids made for me:  (I rather have them make me a card then buy one) Also in my son's card he is pointing his finger not holding a gun (I had to ask because I was going to freak out...lol)- he said he wanted me to know he was pointing at Lil Mama!  Than he looked at me and rolled his eyes when I said it looked like a gun.

Today I turn 40 something and so far its a wonderful day.  Tonight the kids are making me French Bread Pizza- one of my FAV dinners! 

Thursday it is Lil Man's B'day!

FREE BLOGGER SIGN UP~ $100 Amazon Twitter Blast

Need some twitter followers than you should sign up to be included in this awesome Twitter Event!

Makobi Scribe and Madame Deals are hosting a $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway that they have opened up to other bloggers to participate in for free- how awesome is that! So generous- THANK YOU!

If your a blogger and want to know more please go to: http://kobiso.com/event/100-amazon-twitter-blast/

Blogging Guilt!

Wow I had blogging guilt yesterday!  I was doing so good this week blogging everyday and then Fri/Sat came and nothing!  Why you say~ well Fri/Sat I work as a waitress and when I get home the last thing I want to do is THINK about anything but laying my tired old body on the couch, LOL!  But the real reason is when I get home I have other responsibilities that take up my time- darn wife/mom duties.  Of course I'm going to take care of my family before I take care of my blog. 

The guilt came in when I was laying down after cleaning up (I'm still fighting a cold) and it took all of me not to get up and go to the computer.  STOP PAM- I needed rest because this cold has been hanging around all week. 

So I have decided to ease the BLOGGING GUILT and schedule posts.  I can write a couple posts to cover on those days I just don't want to blog!  I have to give it up to everyone that blogs everyday!!! 

What I learned this week is Blogging has become more than a hobby.  Wow- it took several years but I now have the blogging bug.

Twitter Tools Thursday- Tweepi

I love Twitter but sometimes I get a bit bogged down on all the tweets on my page that are not relevant to me. So at the end of the month ( or maybe every other month) I go to my FREE VERSION of Tweepi and do a major clean up! 

If you want to CLEAN UP your TWITTER acount then I highly recommend: http://tweepi.com/

This is is what my dashboard is telling me TODAY: 

Manage your Twitter account

You are following 731 tweeps who are not following you back.

Flush »

420 tweeps are following you, but you're not following them back.

Reciprocate »

Is your Twitter stream getting crowded with tweets? You are following 3665 users, why not unfollow some.

Cleanup »

Follow new tweeps

Want to follow new users based on which tweeps they're interested in? Try following an @user's followers.

Follow followers »

Got a role model and you want to follow who he or she is following?

Follow friends »

Many interesting lists out there. Want to follow a select few users from a certain list? Tweepi's follow by list makes it super easy to do so.

Follow list »

Want to copy/paste a comma separated list of Twitter users and analyze them in Tweepi's awesome table? Try this.

Paste & analyze »

Win It Wednesday~ List YOUR Giveaway!

I don't have a giveaway this week but I've been entering like crazy!

Here is a list of some COOL GIVEAWAYS I've entered:

• Ultimate Gamer Package Giveaway Dec 1-15 Scroll Down and sign up via Rafflecopter: http://colleensbooknook.com/2011/12/ultimate-gamer-package-giveaway/
• Coral Springs Home Plush blanket worth $35+ from Mertado.com http://www.wholelottamama.net/2011/12/about-mertado.html
• Madame Deals Contest Page~ she has several awesome giveaways!  http://madamedeals.com/contests/
• Radio Ranger Remote Control Fishing Boat That REALLY CATCHES FISH!!!! ($70 Value)http://www.blogwithmom.com/2011/12/radio-ranger-remote-control-fishing-boat-giveaway/
• Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop GIVEAWAY http://ladonnadennis.com/2011/10/31/dell-inspiron-15-laptop-giveaway/

I will enter every giveaway listed. No rules this time~just a place to list your GIVEAWAY!
If you have a giveaway please link

Tip Tuesday~ Getting Kids to HELP Around the House!

I know I struggle with this EVERYDAY.  I want the HELP of course but then I always say "no I'll do it" knowing I will do a better job and won't have to go over it.  Now what is that teaching my kids....absolutely NOTHING!  So now when I ask for help...I don't get it, I only have myself to blame (but don't tell them that!). 

I picked up this book from Borders " How To Clean Your Home Fast by Vicki Christian" a while back but I had it out and I was looking at it last night.  I came across a great chapter~ Chapter 3- Recruit Your Kids to Help. 

1. Set a GOOD example for your kids "Monkey see, Monkey do". (sounds reasonable)
2. Ease children into doing chores as they grow.  (don't make your 3 year old do laundry--lol..ok got it)
3. Music- play kid's music/favorite songs and they might just surprise you by helping.  (not sure if that would work with my kids- they would be dancing and singing not cleaning- but I get the idea)
4. Use a egg timer to clock each chore as a game.   Reward the kids with the fastest times (ummmm not sure if I like this one due to if they go fast they won't really do a good job. So maybe I can tweak this one into something else like: I can use the egg timer  to do a 15 minute clean-up,  we turn on the music and clean for 15 minutes.)
5. Initiate a NO FOOD NO DRINK policy in the kids room.  ( I do have that policy but my son seems to FORGET that rule when we are sleeping- he is a night time food sneaker and then leaves the evidence either on kitchen table or in room)
6. Plan your kids cleaning routine and STICK TO IT~! (I need to do that)
7. Ask them to help wash, dry, fold and put away a load each day.  Doing this will cut down on the weekend mountain of laundry.  (simple request- haha)

Rewarding~ now I have my pro's and con's about this!  How I was raised is HELP MOM no matter what- You just do it!  A Happy Mom makes a Happy House- is my motto.  As for rewarding- okay if that is what is going to make them help, fine but it has to be something simple- not $$$! Because if I have to pay my kids to help around the house I might as well pay a housecleaning service and then I know it would get done properly.  But then I wouldn't be teaching them any responsibility!  Fine- chore chart with reward stickers will be a must do this week!

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/How-to-Clean-Your-Home-Fast/Vicki-Christian/p/9780696234330

It's $ .99!

How do you get your kids to help around the house???

ALSO~ I was just entering some giveaways and came across this one that I would LOVE to win:

http://www.random-dealz.com/2011/11/chore-pad-app-review-and-giveaway-8.html   as much I want to keep the numbers down so I could win, as a MOM I have to share this giveaway.  If I don't win I will buy it :)

Market Monday~ Toothy The Tooth Ferry

My kid's school held a Holiday Bazaar this past Saturday and there were some AWESOME vendors there!  Several of them were moms so I wanted to do a little shout about their cool items.

My kid's FAVORITE was the Toothy The Tooth Ferry!  A pillow where you can place the tooth inside a pocket and then the tooth fairy doesn't have to pick up your child's head to find the tooth under their pillow. It's a win win situation- what a cute product!  Want to know more~ check out the FACEBOOK PAGE~ https://www.facebook.com/#!/ToothytheToothFerry and if you like their page can you let them know I sent you! 

Also WONDERFUL story about Tooth The Tooth Ferry~ https://www.facebook.com/#!/ToothytheToothFerry?sk=info

I have to admit I suck at being the tooth fairy- I've forgotten more times than I want to say and it has COST me big time!  I even told lil mama one morning I forgot to email the tooth fairy~ really... what I will say to stay out trouble with lil mama.  She got one of these pillows on Saturday and one of the first things she said was "Now that I have a "Toothy" the Tooth Fairy shouldn't have any problems finding my tooth".  Guess I better step up my game!

Is December Stressful For You Too??

Oh my!!!  My head always spins in many different directions during December- the most stressful month of the year.  My husband's b'day is Dec 6th, mine is Dec 13th and my son's is the Dec 15th.  As a mom and wife I tend to be forgotten during this time- which I will nod my head and say it's OK but deep down I'm thinking "REALLY ANOTHER YEAR!".  Now don't get me wrong I'm not bitching or whining- just stating a fact and probably a fact that a lot of moms go through.  We will sacrifice for our kids and husband and not think twice.  But deep down it hurts a bit!

Hubby is stressing on money right now (I am too) and then Lil Man wanting a b'day party and of course gifts.  I wish I could make it all better for my hubby and give my son everything he wants but guess what NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.  However, we will get through it and on Dec 26th we will remind each other how stressful this month was and make a promise to shop earlier next year, LOL!  And the vicious cycle begins again on Dec 1 2012! 

Don't even get me started on Christmas!  I told my hubby everyone is getting homemade stuff and airbrushed pillowcases.  I love the fact my hubby is an airbrush artist and I can fall back on him for gifts!

Sshhh...don't tell Lil Mama but she is getting a Justin Beiber one and Lil Man is getting Oakland Raiders pillowcase. 

X-Factor Top 7 Performances

Josh- He rocked the house but I was watching the dancers more than him.
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/josh-krajcik-top-7

Astro- Did a great performance!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/astro-top-7

Drew- I was confused with the chair but vocals right on!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/drew-top-7

Rachel- Not her best but good- loved her hair!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/rachel-crow-top-7

Marcus- He did an awesome sexy performance but his signing was just a bit up and down.
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/marcus-canty-top-7

Chris- Well he made it his own!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/chris-rene-top-7

Melanie- BEST PERFORMANCE of the night!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/melanie-amaro-top-7


Who will go home....no idea but Chris and Drew might be the ones on the bottom.  But you never know because these are MY OPINION'S only LOL!  I don't want Chris to go but I think he will be just fine- there is a record deal out there for him!

Day 4- Linen Closet (Completed)

Okay folding sheets is on my Top Ten Household Chores I Don't LIKE!  So my linen closet was so messy and disorganized. 

Before:


After


Wonder why my camera takes such different color pics. 

Anyway, I took out everything out then wiped down shelves (made a mental note I need to get shelf liners).  I folded the sheets nice and placed all my sheets together, the kids sheets on another shelf, then I was able to put my sewing machine/sewing box in there too! I also have my hair styling tools (I use them like 2-3x a year so no point in having them in bathroom, lol). 

Day 3- Tupperware Cupboard (Completed)

Before :                                                                        After:

What I threw away!

Now that felt GREAT!  Many mornings I've gone through that scary cupboard looking for containers and finding no lids or finding lids but no containers!  I threw away every lid that didn't fit something- wow I had a lot too!  I put all lids in a cereal box. Also found my FAVORITE CD that I thought I lost.  Just amazing what 20 minutes will do!  I feel horrible I even let it get that bad.

Day 3 DONE!

Make sure you enter my giveaway: http://pinkmamasplace.blogspot.com/2011/11/win-it-wednesday-my-memories-suite.html

REVIEW: The Truly Awesome Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookie

My kids GOBBLED these cookies up in a heartbeat.  After homework the other night they felt they deserved a TREAT so I just received these cookies to review so I popped a couple in the microwave and poured some milk. WOW what a yummy treat we had! 

Some Facts:
*wholesome ingredients
*free off added preservatives and artificial colors
*almost 2x the size of other cookies
*suggested price $2.79
*exclusively available at Kroger, Fred Meyer, and Ralph stores.
*sure to please the entire family

With the help of moms, Kroger specially developed a collection of products that are sure to delight your family every day.  Keep your family happy and healthy!

Other Products:

• Kroger's The Truly Awesome Low Fat Yogurt Tube
• Kroger's The Truly Awesome Low Fat Yogurt Cups
• Kroger's The Truly Awesome Macaroni and Cheese
• Kroger's The Truly Awesome Frozen Broccoli & 4 cheese
• And many more options on the way

I have 3- $1.00 Coupons and the first 3 to email me at pamallen68@gmail.com I will send you coupon. 

Thanks!  I was able to do this review by being a bzzagent through http://www.bzzagent.com

Day 2 - Computer Desk (21 Day Organizing)

This one isn't too bad since I did it last week.  But there are some things that could be done.  I got a bag of garbage and plus found a couple items I was looking for the other day!
Before:



After:

This is feeling good getting some junk out of my way! 

Meet Me On Monday

Came across this last night at http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/   I'm going to give it shot- why not!  Here are the questions she gave us  to answer:

Questions:

1. I really need to clean my _________?
2. What food makes you think of Christmas?
3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
4. What was your first paying job?
5. Have you read the Twilight series?
---------------------------------------------------------------

My Answers:

1. I really need to clean my _________?

My son's room.  It's SCARY in there!  Now when you look in there is doesn't seem so bad but....lil dude has a habit of hiding crap he knows shouldn't be in his room- like food wrappers.  On the side of his bed by the wall- dirty clothes, toys, and garbage.  I've been very stubborn on doing this because HE DID IT and HE SHOULD clean it! 

2. What food makes you think of Christmas?

Ham!  I love ham and the only time we have it Christmas time. 

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

Wow what a question...maybe 30 that's when it really hit me that I need to do adult stuff and get my life in order!  However, I would love to do 21 over again but only that birthday!

4. What was your first paying job?

Does babysitting count?  LOL!  My first paying REAL job was a waitress at my uncles cafe. Can you guess what I'm still doing almost 30 years later...yep I'm a waitress!  I've had other jobs in between but I always go back to that. 

5. Have you read the Twilight series?

HECK YEAH!  Big fan.  I've read and watched the movies plus can't wait for the next movie to come out in November 2012.  ( I wasn't that impressed with Breaking Dawn Part 1 but it was good)

 

Day 1- Junk Drawer (Completed)

Day 1 DONE...woohoo- off to a great start! Junk drawers- I have 3 so I cleaned them ALL!

Drawer 1- misc JUNK so as you can see I got rid of or put away majority of what was in there.
Drawer 2- magazines/cookbooks and more JUNK.  Now nice an organized.
Drawer 3- kid stuff and of course just crap!  Now its pens, pencils and other kid items.

It felt GREAT dumping all the CRAP and the drawers look awesome now!  Plus it only took me 20 minutes.  Love it!  Whats Day 2????

Before:                                                                      After:

21 DAY ORGANIZING CHALLENGE

I came across this cool CHALLENGE on Pinterest (my new addiction- sorry Facebook!) and here is the post : http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/04/21-day-challenge-revisited.html

She did her challenge awhile back so I'm on my own here (unless you want to join).  I look at my house everyday and wish I had more storage or why do I feel the clutter (clean of course) is going to attack me someday.  I do daily clean up but you know everyone has those "AREA'S" that you just cringe or cover up when guests arrive.  Well I have several, LOL!  So let's DO IT!

21 DAY ORGANIZING CHALLENGE

• Day 1 - Junk Drawer
• Day 2 - Computer Desk
• Day 3 - Tupperware Cabinet
• Day 4 - Linen Closet
• Day 5 - Under kitchen sink
• Day 6 - Dresser Drawers
• Day 7 - The Pantry
• Day 8 - Coat/Shoe area 
• Day 9 - Toy organization
• Day 10 - Laundry Room
• Day 11 - The Freezer
• Day 12 - Spice Cabinet
• Day 13 - Kitchen Desk
• Day 14 - Under bathroom sink /medicine cabinet
• Day 15 - Kids Room #1
• Day 16 - The Fridge
• Day 17 - Computer Clean up
• Day 18 - Keepsakes/Photos
• Day 19 - Kids Room #2
• Day 20 - Storage Area
• Day 21 - Craft Area

I tweaked a couple days on the list to reflect what I need to do around here.  Now some are small projects and some are all day projects.  I'm going to blog everyday too, so I'm going de-clutter and get in the HABIT of daily blogging!  I love when I can multitask! 

Anyone up to following my lead and doing this challenge?  If so let me know and we can keep each other in line!  I might really need that..BTW! 

I will begin Sunday November 27th!

Thanksgiving 2011

Now I might not have all my kids in one location but I can do a scrapbook page as if they were all here together.  I miss you Nick!

I'm full and tired now so I will write more about this day tomorrow!

X-Factor Top 9 Performance

Last night was all about THANKS!  Everyone did a great job and some brought tears to my eyes.  My hubby enjoyed Rachel Crow, even said "she puts on a show and I'm sure her life is changed from now on"  Awwww- wasn't her story just so uplifting too- I want to say THANKS to her parents too! 

Well I picked top 2 and bottom 2 but tonight we will see who goes home- you never know and BTW 2 go home tonight- boohoo!

My Top 2:

LOVED: http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/rachel-crow-top-9

LOVED: http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/marcus-canty-top-9

My Bottom 2:

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/drew-top-9

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/lakoda-rayne-top-9

Win It Wednesday~ My Memories Suite Software- CLOSED

I'm going to admit I have scrapbooking material, books, paper, special pens, and stickers sitting in a drawer just WAITING for me to do something with them...umm they have been there for a couple years!  Now look at what I did in an hour with the help from www.MyMemories.com! Oh my gosh it was so easy and so much fun.  I have ideas just coming out of my head!  I even made a Thanksgiving Card that I will be sharing with everyone TOMORROW!  Also working on a XMAS CARD.  The things you can do are endless! 

These are just the FRONT pages of my kids digital scrapbooks. 

My Memories Suite is the #1 rated scrapbooking software and I totally agree they should be!  This software can be used by beginners and experienced scrapbookers. There are ready made templates and embellishments or you can custom design your own templates/layouts.  When I opened my software it already had pre-loaded design templates, embellishments, word art, and much more.  WOW!  You can also purchase additional scrapbooking kits plus they offer FREE ones too!

I was very impressed how simple it was to SHARE my new found hobby~ digital scrapbooking software!  I was able to print from home, save it to JPEG, send it to have printed on all kinds of products (xmas gifts people!), you can even send it to your iPod!  I saved as a JPEG and put in on Facebook and got so many LIKES. 

My Memories are giving ALL my readers a special deal : $10  discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software ($39.97 reg) and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!) Please use my code: STMMMS73670 HERE to get this AWESOME SOFTWARE for $29.97. 
ALSO I'm GIVING AWAY a full version of the MY MEMORIES SUITE software please use the Rafflecopter form below. Thank you MyMemories!





My Memories Suite Blog
      
My Memories Suite Facebook
       
My Memories SuiteTwitter

I was provided with a free download of the My Memories Suite Software so that I could provide a honest review.


MY MEMORIES SUITE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK SOFTWARE WINNER: Kristin Wheeler!!!

The X Factor- Top 10 Performances

Rock was the THEME this week and oh boy did some of them fail.  They did awesome performances but not ROCK PERFORMANCES and some of the songs they were stretching it.  Really the only one who ROCKED it last night was Josh Krajcik and he should have!  I'm not a Josh Fan but I voted for him last night because he deserved it. 

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/josh-krajcik-top-10

My opinion on the other contestants:

• Drew~ well she has a different kind of voice but its the same every week.  Kind of boring.
• Melanie Amaro~ has a beautiful signing voice for sure- but not my favorite last night.
• Stacy Francis~ Oh my what happen last night to her- she didn't take the criticism very well either. 
• Lakoda Rayne~ They are good but last night wrong song choice!
• Rachel Crow~LOVE LOVE everything about her!
• Marcus Canty~ He is my favorite right now- he is an ENTERTAINER and I didn't care what song he sang, he did his thing!
• LeRoy Bell~ I love him but I do agree with the judges- he needs to connect with the audience and do something different next week.
• Chris Rene ~ WRONG SONG DUDE!  But hey he is so cute I hope he stays! 
• Astro~  what can you say- he did his thing too!  But more ROCK would have been nice. 

Wonder who will go tonight:  My prediction in Drew, Lakoda Rayne or Stacy Francis but you never know! 

Tip Tuesday~ Uses for Peppermint Oil

I've always loved smelly stuff and lately been using aromatherapy (thanks Mom). I like to use oils to help with different ailments and love the way peppermint makes me feel.

Anyways, I was checking out what different oils can do besides just smell good and I found a whole list of what Peppermint can be used for:

• For morning pick up~ place drops on shower floor
• Add a pep to your step by placing 2 drops on bottoms of socks
• Place a diffuser at your desk and first thing in the morning put 2 drops in
• Later in the afternoon inhale for a cooling boost
• Put a couple drops in the car while you are driving- keeps you alert
• To energize at YOGA: mix 6 drops per 1 oz water and spritz your yoga mat
• Freshen the bathroom (or any room): mix 6 drops per 1 oz water and spritz in room
• Inhale prior to workout routine to amp up the energy
• Sore Muscles: add 12 drops per 1 oz of skin care oil and massage muscles- good as new!
• Even helps with nausea on boat~ inhale and sail on.
• Dilute and rub on temples when feeling the effects of a long day
• Transporting Dog~ place 1-2 drops on floor of pet carrier- calming!

What do you use Peppermint Oil for or on?

BTW~ I got this info from www.auracacia.com

Also here are some Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html

I Suck at Cooking!

So this is one of the wifey/mommy duties that I just can't get right.  I pretty much got everything else down but COOKING well is not my forte.  There is a couple dishes I can make that everyone loves but this day to day cooking thing is something I stress about every morning- what can I ruin tonight!

I go through cookbooks, websites, and even been getting recipes from Pinterest but do they come out like they should...nope!  I just don't have the cooking gene.  They kids even say "Daddy is a better cook, mommy"  "Thanks kids...I know!"  Now I just wish my hubby would cook but I can't ask him too because he works hard and shouldn't have to come home to cook. Plus I stay home M-F.  It's not his fault his wife sucks at cooking.  I even watch cooking shows to get inspired but it just doesn't work. 

Is my family doomed with crappy dinners for the rest of their at home lives (oh boy I feel sorry for hubby)?  I guess I can only hold on to the hope when he retires he will cook. Or maybe I will win a lot of money and hire one of these cool chefs and my family will eat like kings...I know wishful thinking plus I don't even play the lottery so winning money won't be happening either.  Sorry family! 

Lil Man Rolling His Eyes- Hate It!

My son is really into the ROLLING OF THE EYES lately and I just want to scream STOP IT- oh I think I have expressed my feelings on this matter to him.  This isn't really his fault since I am QUEEN of the Eye Rolling (ask anyone).  But now that it is done to me OMFG I hate it!  I am sorry to everyone I ever rolled my eyes at...oh wait never mind they all deserved it!  LOL!  Just Kidden Mom!

Yesterday I got a text from one of my son's teachers letting me know he rolled his eyes at her and they had a talk (I know the talk very well).  As mom I don't like that he has picked up this habit but as a person it's a lot better than flipping them off behind their back or talking back- they are all bad habits and shouldn't be done.  I had the "RESPECT your teachers, parents, anyone older than you" talk with him last night and DON'T ROLL YOUR EYES anymore.  As I was walking away found myself rolling my eyes...need to stop that, lol! I'm not being a very good example but at least he didn't see it. 

So what to do...not sure since this is my bad habit too.  Sometimes parenting sucks but it has to be done! 

Somedays I wish we were the Jetson's

Today trying to get my kids dressed and out the door was totally trying and with no coffee in my system I was having a hard time keeping it together.  I pick out the kids clothes at night, I let them see what I have for them and I get a nod or OK Mom.  When they get up in the morning its SUPPOSE to be stress free RIGHT???  Not with my kids!

This morning Lil Mama didn't like how the school pants fit her and then we couldn't find any other school pants (that she likes) to wear so she picks a dark pair of jeans (not school uniform).  She informs me that a lot of kids wear jeans.  Now I'm active parent that KNOWS you are NOT to wear jeans but I guess my kids know best because I turn around and Lil Man has on jeans too!  Ugh..its too damn early to fight and in my head I'm thinking well I hope you get in trouble at school so we don't have to go through this again. 

Then they are tired of cereal...yes I'm not the best morning person so making a big breakfast in the morning is not realistic in my world.  But they don't want toast or eggs they want a smoothie!  Really...fine guess that's not hard but still upset they are messing with me.  Okay so whipped up some strawberry, banana, OJ thingy and they drank it up!  They hugs made me feel better. 

I try to pack their backpacks but they are always emptying them and rearranging or whatever they do to their backpacks in the morning.  When we are walking out the door I ask...lunch, homework, paperwork all in bags...I get "YES mom" with of course the eye rolling and then off to the car.  I drop them off and head back home and walk inside and starting picking up and in my son's room I find his lunch and on the kitchen table I find paperwork that needed to go to school.  I had all that packed in their backpacks plus asked.  Ugh! 

I would love to be able to put them on a converter belt where they get dressed, backpacks packed, lunches made and OUT THE DOOR YOU GO- with no issues! 

Plus I would LOVE LOVE the Jetson's Maid!! Pretty Please!

Halloween 2011

Wow yesterday was fun packed full day!  The kids had to dress up as a book character and later in the day did a neighborhood parade. 

My Thing 1 and Harry Potter:

Then they turned into Zombie things for the nighttime Trick N Treat.



I'm just HAPPY it's over.  We stayed busy all weekend- going to parties, festivals, and events.  So after all that running around and doing this and that can you believe they gave me such a hard time when I asked for some candy.  Geez can I get a piece of candy for all the hard work I put in.  Guess I asked for too much. 

Bullied into going to the Pumpkin Patch

When I got home from working HARD on my feet for 8 hrs dealing with cafe customers on a Sunday the last thing I wanted to do is go anywhere.  But Lil Mama had other plans!

I came home and started to take off my shoes but Lil Mama says "Umm what are you doing?" I responded back " going to relax" she informed me "No you are not- we are going to the Pumpkin Patch- NO EXCUSES" and looked at me like I was the child and she was the mom.  I felt like I needed to give her the puppy dog look she always gives me and I got back from her "NOT GOING TO WORK"  wow did this little 7 yr old just used my words/actions against me?  She bullied us into going I swear!

Now this Pumpkin Patch is SAD:  where are all the pumpkins???












Also cost me $10 for 15 minutes of FUN for the kids to go on the slide.  Plus $10 for a small a** pumpkin.  They had pony rides ($7 per kid), face painting ($7 per kid), Jumper ($5 for 10 minutes) but who can afford all that??? 

But in the long run Lil Mama had a blast and that's what it is all about.  Next time though I'm finding a REAL pumpkin patch and it will be FUN for everyone. 

Kid's Homework Is HARD!

Yes, it's been about 30 odd years since I've been in elementary school but dang the MATH homework is hard (for me).  I read the problem over and over and still can't get it.  Of course I have lil man looking at me like "WTF you don't know this MOM?"  I stare back and shrug my shoulders and than we both roll our eyes.  If I'm having this issue now just imagine what I'm going to go through in the years to come.  I need to go back to elementary school I guess.  My kids do math different too...I learned last year they don't CARRY anymore but TRANSFER. 

My son's class is doing their math homework online this year and the program is wonderful.  I had a get a couple problems wrong so I could have the site walk me through the process and my son got mad at me because I was ruining his quota...whatever dude!  I needed to know how to do it so I could help if needed.  Geez! 

My daughter is a whiz at math but younger than my son so when she tries to get in the middle of his homework I ask her to back up and do something else.  I can see my son getting upset that his little sister is telling him how to do his homework.  Someday he might want her help! 

What I do like about homework is we get to sit around the kitchen table and I cook all at the same time- wonderful family time!

What is like in your house with homework???  Or am I the only one who doesn't remember what I learned in 4th grade...LOL!